pajarito

I don't have a problem with teaching other versions of creation personally. I just don't think evolution should be taught as baseline fact when it is a theory like the rest.

So you can prove evolution scientifically and, therefore, it isn't just a "theory?"

And if "Bill & Ted" is the dual nature of your god or gods, "Under God" in the Pledge would work for you too.

1. Why would the force that created the universe be dead now? Do you think it always alive prior to the initiation of “The Big Bang” or had it previously died and came back to life just for that event and died immediately following? 2. Do you believe that time began at the point of “The Big Bang” or do you think it might have extended into the negative (from our linear point of view)? 3. Do you believe the “expanding universe” theory and do you think the universe will eventually collapse on itself. If so, do you think that “force” will resurrect itself again in order to create another “Big Bang?” 4. Do you think there might be a dimension/force/existence that exists above and apart from our linear time? 5. What do you think about “intelligent design?” Or do you think everything in the universe came about in a completely random manner? I think you know my ultimate position on this topic, however, I do not discount what means God might have used to accomplish his goal. I believe that he invented time and, therefore could control and alter it if he wished. I believe that there could have been something like the “Big Bang” to initiate the process. I think he could have used elements of evolution for the development of life.

You sound like an extremist...

You've got a point.

God is dead. So you acknowledge his existence at one time?

Evolution is a theory and should be taught as such in school. Creation is also a theory and should just as equally be taught in school. Let the students take from each and make up his/her own minds.

It's weird hearing an Engineer and Physicist say that...

Yup - I'm British. I'm free to worship who I like even though my £10 note has Charles Darwin it. Very well then.

He's already introduced himself to you. He can't offer you a receipt, however, until a transaction has occured.

No one is forcing you to do anything.

I think the ruling was more of a symbolic victory for the proponents of the Pledge as it is now than a legal one. Technically, you're correct about the court ruling. I'm quite sure it will come under attack again.

It is fairly common terminology. I'm pretty sure some come across that way more so than others.

We confiscated an awful lot of it. I'm afraid we're not touching the tip of the iceberg, though.

My guess, because they think they are supposed to live a certain way and do certain things according to a bunch of rules that were shoved down their throats when they were kids. Then, they come to find out that they don't _really_ want to live that way and that every day life tempts them to break those arbitrary rules. Some of them can't even stand seeing naked statues in front of gov't buildings that they work in. So, it's basically a mentality of bringing everyone else down with them. None of it was "shoved" down my throat. It wasn't stressed to me as a child either. I'm 35 and didn't become a Christian till 6 years ago. Also, the "mentality" is to bring people up, not down.

I don't need the "backing" of the government for any of my religious beliefs. I, however, believe this country was founded on Christian principles and it is expressed in many ways within the government. Nobody's trying to shove anything down your throat.

The Bible is a collection of books. Not just one. Therefore, one book can be a validating source for another.

Also, it's not money that's evil. It's the love of money above God. Idolotry can take many forms. That just happens to be one of the most common.

And "Under God" would cover them nicely and they shouldn't be offended by it either.

I'm pretty sure "fear" as it is presented in the Bible means more so "respectful reverence." Although, God is all powerful and has proven himself to be worthy of a healthy fear as you are referring.

Not forgotten... "Under God" doesn't infringe on any of those either.

God has always been associated with "money" or the benefits of your work, whatever that may be. He is the giver of your life and talents that you use to be able to make a living and take care of your family in the first place so, therefore, it's written that you should give back to him 10 percent. That 10 percent goes to building/maintaining the church and provides a resource for missions and charity among other things.

Exactly! The acknowledgment of God is not "establishing a religion." The VAST majority believe in the most basic concept of a God or gods regardless of their specific religion.

I like your attitude!